Dan Issel is a Hall of Fame center. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 8th round of the 1970 NBA Draft. However, he chose to sign with the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA. Dan Issel won an ABA Championship playing alongside Artis Gilmore. Prior to the 1975-76 season, the Colonels traded him to the Baltimore Claws who folded before the season started. After the failed trade, Dan Issel was then traded to the Denver Nuggets where he finished his NBA career.
Below is a look at some of Dan Issel’s career accomplishments and highlights.
- 7x All-Star
- 5x All-ABA
- 1x ABA Champion
- 1970-71 ABA Rookie of the Year
Dan Issel’s rookie card is in the 1971 Topps set alongside fellow Hall of Famers Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, Bob Lanier, Rudy Tomjanovich, Charlie Scott and Nate Archibald. Over the years, Dan Issel has been great to fans and he responds to fan requests quickly by mail. I purchased a raw card on eBay and sent it in a bubble mailer with a blue sharpie. The card turned out perfectly and he included his HOF inscription.
Currently there are only 41 autographed 1971 Topps Rick Barry rookie cards in the PSA registry.
Total Investment: $37.04
Estimated Value: $100
Return on Investment: 170%